3121/Thunderbolt and lightning, very, very frightening.

Thunderbolt and lightning, very, very frightening.
Date of Scene:	27 August 2020
Location:	Happy Harbor Waterfront
Synopsis:	Shazam stops by Happy Harbour in search of robots to fight. And while he finds a robot in disguise no fighting happens. Meanwhile Viv writes some absolutely terrible poetry (Thankfully none of which makes it into the scene).
Cast of Characters:	Billy Batson, Vivian Vision

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Billy Batson has posed:
Shazam floats down from an overcast sky, a little wet. "I should totally be able to control the weather. I throw lightning. My power comes from Zeus. Zeus was the god os the skies or something. Hey Z-dog, what's the problem with me handling weather?" Z-dog's mental reply is alas not for polite company. Shazam's ears burn. No one wants to hear a deity's name blasphemed by the deity.

The World's Mightiest Mortal lands and looks around. Nice enough beach. Not a sign of giant robots. "What does a guy have to do to wreck a smarmy bot?"

Vivian Vision has posed:
There are no robots at Happy Harbor. None at all. Just the perfectly normal teenage girl Vivian Vision who happens to be standing around in the rain with an umbrella in one hand. Staring out to sea as if expecting something interesting to happen any moment. Every now and again she pauses and, very awkwardly considering the umbrella, scribbles some lines down in a notepad.

"If you wish to attract the attention of bots you just need to hop on social media. There are countless bots on the internet after all." She doesn't actually look up from her notepad. And scribbles something else down before chewing on the end of the pencil.

Billy Batson has posed:
Shazam looks to the side a little startled. In fact he jumps an inch or two off the ground and forgets to land. "I'm talking giant evil robots, causing destruction and all that. Not internet sexbots. I have an ad blocker for that. And good morning. What are you looking for out on the sea? -Pirates? Waterspouts? Whale watching?"

He turns from the sea and extends a hand. "I'm Shazam. Though I went by Red Thunder, Captain Thunder and... Captain Sparklefingers back in Philly. I'm on YouTube. Would you like me to hold your umbrella while you scribble in your little book?" He has to remember... he's an old guy right now. Don't be a creep with this cute ordinary girl.

Vivian Vision has posed:
"Then you should try mutant town. They tend to be attacked by Sentinels on a frequent basis," Vivian suggests earnestly. It's true after all. If you want evil robots you can't go wrong with a Sentinel or two. "Happy Harbor tends to be very quiet. The local bank has never had a single criminal act occur in it. Supposed to be one of the safest in the country."

She shakes her head.

"I'm fine holding my own umbrella. And no I'm not doing any of those things. I'm writing bad poetry." She shrugs. "It's not supposed to be bad I guess. But I am not very good so... Anyway it's for a class project. I thought I would find the rain inspiring because of how often it is featured in the writings of tortured artists making deep statements about the world."

Billy Batson has posed:
Shazam nods. "I play the flute pretty badly, myself. My teacher says I learn fast but don't apply myself. My guidance counselors and teachers say the same thing... "

Idiot. You're what? 29? You don't have a guidance counselor. You're old.

"If you like listening to the flute... this is your lucky day because I left mine home and so I won't spoil your appreciation any." Shazam frowns a little. "Why are the cops letting these Sent'nels mess with Mutant Town? Doesn't the Mayor know about this? I mean he's kind of a jerk but... them Mutants vote."

Vivian Vision has posed:
"From what I am aware the Sentinels were intended to support the police against mutants," Vivian points out. It's not something she's ever given much thought, but the internet is full of rampant speculation and conspiracy theories. Some more accurate and reliable than others. "Anyway mutants may well be able to vote but that doesn't mean it's a wise political move to court that vote in some districts. Especially ones with strong pro-Human sentiments. People without powers tend to fear those who have them."

As well as looking up specifics on giant robots of various sorts she does a little digging into Shazam and his many alternate names. And then for good measure she looks up the worlds greatest flute players and a brief history of woodwind instruments.

"Are flutes expensive? I have never considered learning a musical instrument but I suppose I should give it a go. It could only enhance my high school experience."

Billy Batson has posed:
Shazam shrugs. "No idea. I got mine from... a friend. It's a loaner. Well my teacher is actually a friend first. I saw her playing and fell in lo....ve with flutes on the spot. It's a nice instrument. Unlike powers it rewards practice and dedication equally. It also lets me see that particular friend more." He's only about a quarter smitten, despite what that dopey older sister thinks. Maybe a third smitten?

Shazam looks around and sees they are alone. He does a hop and more than a hop and says, "Would a little lightning inspire you? I do tricks with it. Lightning is sort of my thing... of course Tech Shazam can use his to operate machines but I'm more the throw it around and zap things or make sparkles. I don't hardly ever lose control anymore, never hurt anyone. Well I hurt the Juggernaut with it but that was on purpose. /That/ guy... anyway I can do a light show for you."

Vivian Vision has posed:
"The trouble with lightning is it's very dramatic but conveys the wrong kind of emotional range. People tend to associate thunder and lightning with anger, drama and strong emotions. But none of those emotions fit with the theme I am trying to work with," Vivian explains, glancing up and shaking her head. "But it's kind of you to offer though... And from what you're saying powers /do/ seem like the flute. After all your practice and dedication have been rewarded right? If you can now do tricks with something as dangerous as lightning."

If anything the mention of throwing around that much electricity seems to have her slightly alarmed. Taking a step or two backwards just to be safe.

"Plus I have a metal umbrella. So if you did have a mishap..."

Billy Batson has posed:
Shazam listens and says, "I mean the flute rewards everyone equally for practice. I do things better than regular people can do. I'm faster and stronger and hardly ever tire. Juggernaut tired me out for a time. I can do things like throw lightning and fly they can never do. But the flute... makes me remember there are things normal humans like you do that I can't. I mean aside from my powers I'm really nothing special. Not till I do my first flute show, demonstration or whatever they call it."

He makes a few sparkles sizzle and snap across his fingers. Just a little charge. "I never thing of lightning as anger. For me... it's freedom, it's magic, it reminds me to show restraint, especially around metal umbrellas. I mean a lightning bolt could have a billion volts in it and yet I can tell it what to do. That's my particular magic.

Vivian Vision has posed:
"Did you know lightning strikes can produce severe injuries, and have a mortality rate of between 10% and 30, with up to 80% of survivors sustaining long-term injuries," Vivian informs matter-of-factly. "And while I am sure you are exceptional at controlling it.. I would rather not take the risk. I've already seen magical lightning before you see. I met Thor because of my fathers work." Which is technically true. If slightly misleading. "I'm sure there are people out there who have special powers or abilities related to flutes. I can't recall the name but I think perhaps at least one supervillain uses one."

Billy Batson has posed:
Shazam lets the sparkles sputter out. The glow from his emblem likewise fades. "You don't have to tell me how dangerous it is."

Shazam gives a short bow and says, "It was interesting talking to you. I think I'm going to head to Mutant Town. Thanks for the tip and good luck with your poetry." With that he leaps up and is gone, though a single burst of thunder heralds his departure.